Secondary school is a critical time for Canadian students, as they often make major decisions about the pathways they will take in the future. Usually, in grade 9 or 10, depending on the province you live in, students must choose whether or not to take “academic” or “applied” streams of courses. And, this choice has a long-lasting impact on their future careers. So, find out which one is best for you: Applied vs Academic path.
| Aspect | Applied Courses | Academic Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Emphasize practical skills Real-world applications Career readiness. | Theoretical knowledge Critical thinking Conceptual understanding. |
| Teaching Methods | Hands-on learning Projects, labs, simulations Workplace-related activities. | Lecture-based instruction Research, Readings |
| Assessment | Practical tasks, projects, and skills demonstrations. | Exams, essays, research papers, and theoretical analysis. |
| Post-Secondary Pathways | Typically lead to college programs, skilled trades, apprenticeships, or the workforce. | Prepare students for university degree programs. |
Detailed Comparison of Applied and Academic Courses
Parents and students, especially those new to learning in Canadian schools, can often find secondary school learning pathways confusing. They may not know the difference between academic and applied courses, or the long-term impacts of course choice.
In many cases, they may not even understand how the curriculum differs between academic and applied courses, and simply regard all courses as credits that can be applied toward a high school diploma.
For these reasons, it’s important to comprehend how the curriculum works to make informed decisions about students’ learning. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between academic and applied streams of study in Canada.
There are many factors to consider when choosing your math courses in school. Read more to pick the right pathway to keep all your options open.
📃 Curriculum and Learning Approaches
Applied Courses
Applied courses focus more on practical applications and concrete examples. Students can apply the knowledge and skills acquired through traditional classroom learning to practical, real-world environments, creative projects, or research and in turn apply what they have learned from applied experience to academic learning.
Academic Courses
On the other hand, academic courses are based more on theory and abstract thinking. Generally, an academic curriculum refers to a structured set of lessons and educational experiences designed to teach specific skills across subjects such as language and literature and mathematics. It delves into essential related concepts from a more conceptual and analytical approach.
Let's look at the differences between the two courses.
Applied math courses
- Cover the essential concepts, and focus on practical applications of mathematical reasoning and thinking.
- Students usually experience a more hands-on approach and develop skills for work and in everyday life.
- Topics include: Introductory Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, Trigonometry and Financial Literacy.
Academic math courses
- Students understand through both theoretical and practical applications.
- Mostly recommended for university programs like Engineering, Medicine, or Business.
- Topics you might encounter in academic courses include: Functions (quadratic, exponential, discrete, trigonometric, logarithmic), Logarithms, Calculus, Vectors, Derivatives and Algebra.
💻 Assessment and Evaluation
Applied Courses
Assignments and evaluations for applied courses focus on creative and real-life tasks. Activities typically include reports, journals, opinion pieces, and presentations. In addition, students study a variety of printed texts (novels, plays, short stories and graphic novels). Learning is guided and monitored through reviews of homework and classwork.
Subjects are generally completed during class, and homework is assigned less frequently and is usually completed in class as well. However, to successfully complete these types of courses, students need to stay focused on tasks, use reminders and practice organizational skills.
Academic Courses
On the other hand, in academic courses, assessment focuses on theoretical analysis and abstract problem-solving. Students must write essays, seminar papers, and reading responses after studying a variety of literary texts, including novels, Shakespeare's plays and essays. This requires strong note-taking skills, as well as teamwork and leadership.
These types of courses seek to make students more independent in their studies. Therefore, individual responsibility in learning, the ability to use class time efficiently without the teacher's advice and good organizational skills are important.
Although teachers devote part of class time to completing assignments, students are expected to work outside of class hours and complete additional homework.
📊 Post-Secondary Pathways
Applied Courses
Applied courses can lead students to college programs, institutes, vocational training programs, or direct entry into the job market. In many cases, students can change their path later if they want a greater academic challenge. However, to access certain university programs, it may be necessary to take additional academic-level subjects.
Academic Courses
On the other hand, academic courses prepare students for university and higher education. Although it is possible to change levels after ninth grade if the course material is too difficult, this path is designed especially for those who plan to continue their higher education.
In some cases, subjects such as academic English are required to access the university path and some vocational training programs. 1
There are some good reasons to take applied math in high school. You might be surprised!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Applied and Academic Courses
In many Canadian provinces, students must choose between applied and academic studies in grades 9 and 10. However, before choosing, you should consider several factors: What are your long-term goals? Will you need academic courses to get into the program you want at university? What is your learning style? In which courses do you have better grades? To make the best decision, here are some recommendations.
📌 Your learning style
Are you aware of your learning style? Learning styles are the different ways in which a person captures, processes, and retains information. If you prefer practical activities or problem-solving, applied courses are probably right for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy complex concepts, studying independently, reading, and writing essays, academic courses are likely a better option.
📌 Your school goals
Academic courses are generally required for university admission, while applied courses can lead to college programs, apprenticeships, or career paths. If you are interested in the college/workplace pathway, it's better to consider applied courses. However, if you are interested in pursuing the university/college pathway, choose academic courses. In addition, you could switch levels after Grade 9 if the course material is too challenging, depending on the program.
📌 Your current academic performance
It is a must to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your grades and favorite subjects. If you feel confident handling theoretical content and a faster pace, academic courses may be right for you. If you prefer hands-on learning with tangible results, applied courses may be a better fit.
📌 Guidance and support
The best person to ask for advice would probably be your current teacher at your school. They can talk you through the possibilities and help you determine which courses you should take to have the pathways you want in the future. Set up a meeting with your family after school hours, or make an appointment during the school day.
Did you ever switch from Applied to Academic (or vice versa)? 🤔
Academic math has its pros and cons. Read more about the programs and careers after choosing this academic path.
Recent Changes in Course Streaming: The Move Towards De-Streaming
Even though every province in Canada sets its own curriculum and course structure, Ontario ended academic vs. applied course streaming in Grade 9 in the early 2020s.
Before this was implemented, Ontario students who wanted to change streams after selecting their applied-level courses in 9th grade faced several obstacles. To avoid this and keep all academic alternatives open, the province began phasing out 9th-grade mathematics courses in 2021 and extended the phaseout to all 9th-grade subjects in 2022, with the aim of allowing students to prepare for 11th- and 12th-grade courses with greater freedom.
And, in 2024, the Ministry of Education provided the curriculum for the following Grade 9 de-streamed courses:
- English (ENL1W)
- Mathematics (MTH1W)
- Science (SNC1W)
- Geography (CGC1W) NEW for 2024
In addition, the other 9th-grade courses have already been updated.
Destreaming efforts are an opportunity to create a more innovative learning environment with more equitable opportunities for students. By implementing this, all students have access to all pathway opportunities. 2 3
Before 2021
Academic vs. Applied 📚
Grade 9 students chose between academic and applied courses. Switching pathways later was difficult and limited.
September 2021
Math De-Streamed 🧮
Ontario began phasing out streamed Grade 9 Mathematics courses and introduced a single de-streamed course for all students.
September 2022
All Grade 9 Subjects De-Streamed 📖
The province extended de-streaming to all Grade 9 subjects to increase flexibility for Grades 11 and 12 pathways.
September 2024
Updated Curriculum Released 🌍
The Ministry of Education finalized updated de-streamed courses: English (ENL1W) Mathematics (MTH1W) Science (SNC1W) Geography (CGC1W – new in 2024)
There’s a lot you should know about academic and applied math courses. Make an informed choice about the type of classes you take!
References
- Unknown. (n.d.). Academic vs Applied – What’s Right For You? https://secondary.hcdsb.org/loyola/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/11/Academic-vs-applied.pdf
- Destreaming in secondary schools. (n.d.). https://www.tvdsb.ca/en/parents/destreaming-in-secondary-schools.aspx
- Waterloo Region District School Board. (2025, June 26). De-streaming for secondary students - Waterloo Region District School Board. https://www.wrdsb.ca/learning/programs/secondary-school-information/de-streaming/
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